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DAVERN -- John Kenneth Davern, 71, a resident of Albuquerque, died Tuesday, December 12, 2006. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Elsa Davern; two children, Mark Lass and wife, Patti of Rancho Santa Fe, CA and Deborah Wuensch and husband, Rob of Poulsbo, WA; four grandchildren, Hayleigh, Tyler, Rebecca, and Lauren; brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Elaine Corbalis; and numerous friends and fans. Kenny was born in Huntington, Long Island on January 7, 1935. After hearing Pee Wee Russell the first time, he was convinced that he wanted to be a jazz musician and at the age of 16 joined the musician's union, first as a baritone saxophone player and later as a soprano saxophone player. His love was playing the clarinet. He played with jazz greats such as Phil Napolion, Pee Wee Erwin, Red Allen, Ralph Sutton, Yank Lawson, and his life-long friend Dick Wellstood. In 1997, he was inducted into the Jazz Hall of Fame at Rutgers University, and in 2001 he received an honorary doctorate of music at Hamilton College, Clinton, NY. In the late 1980s, the New York Times hailed him as "the finest jazz clarinetist playing today." Kenny was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a friend to many and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Cremation has taken place and at Kenny's request no Services will be held at this time. French Mortuary 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE 823-9400
        Published on: Fri December 15, 2006